Jon Brion, born on December 11, 1963, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and composer. Raised in a musical family, his father directed the Yale concert and marching bands, his mother was a jazz singer, and his siblings are also musically inclined. Brion dropped out of high school to pursue music, eventually moving to Boston in 1987, where he became a touring member of Aimee Mann’s band ‘Til Tuesday until its dissolution in 1989.
Brion’s career encompasses a diverse range of musical endeavors. He has produced music for artists such as Fiona Apple, Elliott Smith, Kanye West, and Mac Miller, contributing to their distinctive sounds. As a film composer, Brion has scored several notable films, including Magnolia (1999), Punch-Drunk Love (2002), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), I Heart Huckabees (2004), Synecdoche, New York (2008), ParaNorman (2012), Lady Bird (2017), and Christopher Robin (2018).
In addition to his production and composition work, Brion released his debut solo album, Meaningless, in 2001. Initially released independently, the album was reissued in 2022 through Jealous Butcher Records, making it widely available for the first time.
Brion is also known for his live performances, particularly his long-standing residency at Largo, a club in Los Angeles, where he showcases his improvisational skills and multi-instrumental talents.
His unique approach to music, characterized by a blend of spontaneity and meticulous craftsmanship, has made him a respected figure in both the music and film industries. Brion’s ability to infuse emotional depth into his compositions continues to resonate with audiences and artists alike.
